Luke 19:8-27

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:9

Salvation is come to this house - This family. They have this day received the blessings of the gospel, and become interested in the Messiah’s kingdom. Salvation “commences” when people truly receive Christ and their sins are pardoned; it is “completed” when the soul is sanctified and received up into heaven.Forasmuch - Because. For he has given “evidence” that he is a new man, and is disposed to forsake his sins and receive the gospel.The son of Abraham - Hitherto, although a Jew, yet he has... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:10

See the notes at Matthew 18:11. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:11

He spake a parable - This parable has in some respects a resemblance to the parable of the “talents” in Matthew 25:14-28, but it is not the same. They differ in the following respects: That was spoken “after” he had entered Jerusalem; this, while on his way there. That was delivered on the Mount of Olives; this, in the house of Zacchaeus. That was delivered to teach them the necessity of “improving” the talents committed to them; this was for a different design. He was now near Jerusalem. A... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:12

A certain nobleman - A prince; a man descended from kings, and having a title, therefore, to succeed in the kingdom.Went into a far country ... - This expression is derived from the state of things in Judea in the time of the Saviour. Judea was subject to the Romans, having been conquered by Pompey about sixty years before Christ. It was, however, governed by “Jews,” who held the government “under” the Romans. It was necessary that the prince or king should receive a recognition of his right to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:13

Ten servants - Nothing in particular is denoted by the number “ten.” It is a circumstance intended to keep up the narrative. In general, by these servants our Saviour denotes his disciples, and intends to teach us that talents are given us to be improved, for which we must give an account at his return.Ten pounds - The word translated “pound” here denotes the Hebrew “minah,” which was equal to about 15 dollars, or 3 British pounds. The pounds here denote the talents which God has given to his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:14

But his citizens - His “subjects,” or the people whom he was desirous of ruling.Hated him - On account of his character, and their fear of oppression. This was, in fact, the case with regard to Archelaus, the Jewish prince, who went to Rome to be confirmed in his kingdom.Sent a message, saying ... - His discontented subjects, fearing what would be the character of his reign, sent an embassy to remonstrate against his being appointed as the ruler. This actually took place. Archelaus went to Rome... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:15

See the notes at Matthew 25:19. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:16-19

See the notes at Matthew 25:20-21.Ten cities - We are not to suppose that this will be “literally” fulfilled in heaven. Christ teaches here that our reward in heaven will be “in proportion” to our faithfulness in improving our talents on earth. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:20

A napkin - A towel. He means by it that he had not wasted it nor thrown it by carelessly, but had been “very careful” of it; so much so as to be at the pains to tie it up in a towel and put it in a safe place, as if he had been “very faithful” to his trust. So many people employ their talents, their learning, their property, their influence. They “have” them; they “keep” them; but they never “use” them in the service of the Lord Jesus; and, in regard to their influence on the church or the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:21

An austere man - Hard, severe, oppressive. The word is commonly applied to unripe fruit, and means “sour,” unpleasant; harsh. In this case it means that the man was taking every advantage, and, while “he” lived in idleness, was making his living out of the toils of others.Thou takest up ... - Thou dost exact of others what thou didst not give. The phrase is applied to a man who “finds” what has been lost by another, and keeps it himself, and refuses to return it to the owner. All this is... read more

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